LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
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COLUSA LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
CITY OF COLUSA
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE PLAN
Adopted February 2, 2012
Resolution 2012-0003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1 LAFCO's Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Sphere of Influence Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Colusa LAFCO Sphere of Influence Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 Municipal Service Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5 Possible Approaches to the Sphere of Influence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.6 SOI Update Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.7 SOI Amendments and CEQA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 CITY OF COLUSA SPHERE OF INFLUENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 City of Colusa SOI Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1.1 Option #1: City Proposed SOI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1.2 Option #2: City Proposed SOI and WWTP Property . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1.3 Option #3: City Proposed SOI and State Recreation Area . . . . . 10
2.1.4 Option #4: Proposed SOI Less Urban Reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.1.5 Option #5: Near-term SOI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2 City of Colusa SOI Analysis and Recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2.1 Absorption Rates and Projected Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2.2 Conversion of Agricultural Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.2.3 SOI Recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3 Present and Planned Land Uses in the Colusa Area, Including
Agricultural and Open Space Lands Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.3.1 Present Land Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.3.2 County Zoning in Proposed SOI Expansion Area . . . . . . . . . . .17
2.3.3 Prime Farmland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.3.4 City Proposed Land Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.3.5 Inventory of Vacant and Underutilized Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.3.6 SOI Determinations on Present and Planned Land Use for
City of Colusa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.4 Present and Probable Need for Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .27
2.4.1 Population Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.4.2 Recent Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.4.2.1 Building Permits and Absorption Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.4.2.2 Jobs-Housing Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.4.3 Growth Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
2.4.4 Present and Planned Development Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
2.4.4.1 Phased Annexation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.4.5 SOI Determinations on Present and Probable
Need for Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.5 Public Facilities and Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.5.1 Overview of Facility Capacity and Adequacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.5.2 SOI Determinations on Facility Capacity and
Service Adequacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
2.6 Social or Economic Communities of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
2.6.1 SOI Determinations on Social or Economic Communities of
Interest for City of Colusa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
REFERENCES 36
1
PREPARERS 37
MAPS 38
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence 38
City of Colusa General Plan 39
City of Colusa Zoning 40
City of Colusa Flood Zone A 41
City of Colusa Soils 42
APPENDIX A SOILS INFORMATION 43
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 LAFCO's Responsibilities
LAFCO’s in California are independent agencies created by the California Legislature in
1963 whose major purposes include encouraging the orderly formation of local
governmental agencies and conserving and preserving natural resources.
Statewide there are 58 LAFCOs working with nearly 3,500 governmental agencies (400+
cities, and 3,000+ special districts). Agency boundaries are often unrelated to one
another and sometimes overlap at random, often leading to higher service costs to the
taxpayer and general confusion regarding service area boundaries. LAFCO decisions
strive to balance the competing needs in California for efficient services, affordable
housing, economic opportunity, and conservation of natural resources.
LAFCOs are responsible for the following:
1) Coordinating logical and timely changes in local governmental boundaries
2) Conducting special studies that review ways to reorganize, simplify, and
streamline governmental structure
3) Preparing a review of services called a Municipal Service Review
4) Preparing a Sphere of Influence
LAFCOs thereby determine the future “probable” boundary for each city and special
district within each county.
The Commission's efforts are directed toward seeing that services are provided
efficiently and economically while agricultural and open-space lands are protected.
Often citizens are confused as to what LAFCO’s role is. LAFCOs do not have
enforcement authority nor do they have the authority to initiate a city or district
annexation or detachment proceeding. LAFCOs may initiate consolidation or dissolution
proceedings; however, these proceedings are subject to the voter approval or denial.
The Legislature has given LAFCOs the authority to modify any proposal before it to
ensure the protection of agricultural and open space resources, discourage urban sprawl
and promote orderly boundaries and the provision of adequate services.
1.2 Sphere of Influence Requirements
In determining the Sphere of Influence for each local agency, LAFCO must consider and
prepare a written statement of determinations with respect to each of the following:
1. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open
space lands;
2. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area;
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
3. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services which
the agency provides, or is authorized to provide; and
4. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the
commission determines that they are relevant to the agency.
1.3 Colusa LAFCO Sphere of Influence Policies
In addition to State requirements for SOIs, Colusa LAFCO has adopted policies
regarding Sphere of Influences in the County and minimum requirements necessary in
order to update or adopt an agency’s SOI. Highlighted requirements are summarized as
follows:
1. The Sphere of Influence Plan must be consistent with LAFCO’s policies, State
law, other agencies’ SOI plans, the municipal service review, and long range
planning goals of the area.
2. LAFCO will not include lands that are unlikely to require the services of the
agency or which cannot be feasibly served within a time frame consistent with
the sphere plan.
3. Agencies are encouraged to keep the supporting documentation for their SOI
plans up to date.
4. A City Sphere of Influence Plan shall contain the following:
a. A sphere map and phased plan for annexation of the depicted territory
defining the probable boundary of the agency’s service area 20 years
hence (the long-term horizon) and identifying a near-term development
horizon defining the agency’s logical boundary for lands likely to be
annexed prior to the next sphere review or update (typically within five
years).
b. Documentation to support the Commission’s determinations regarding the
factors stated in §56425(e), generally in the form of the municipal service
review.
c. When required by Government Code §56425(b), a city and the county
shall meet and confer regarding the boundaries of the city’s sphere prior
to the Commission’s final determination. If a city and the county have
reached agreement regarding the boundaries, development standards,
and zoning requirements within a proposed city sphere, the Commission
shall give great weight to the agreement in the Commission’s final
determination of the city’s sphere.
d. Parcel Inventory and Absorption Study. The Commission must be able to
make a positive determination that the city’s sphere is consistent with its
historical and expected growth rates, and that the territory within the
sphere is likely to be annexed within the 20-year timeframe. The
Commission’s determination will be based on information provided by the
city, including 1) a vacant land inventory, 2) an analysis of the vacant
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
lands to determine their suitability for development, and 3) a market study
to determine the absorption rate of the usable vacant lands. If the city is
unable to supply such information, LAFCO will make a sphere
determination after considering the city’s historical growth rates for each
land use designation, pertinent city land use and zoning regulations, and
the physical characteristics of the property intended to be included in the
sphere.
5. Amendment proposals involving sphere expansion to include open space or
prime agricultural land will not be approved by LAFCO if there is sufficient
alternative land available for annexation within the existing sphere of influence.
6. LAFCO will not approve change to the SOI of an agency of land that is subject to
a farmland security zone contract for the provisions of services of facilities related
to sewers, nonagricultural water, or streets and roads to the land unless in the
opinion of LAFCO these facilities or services benefit land uses that are allowed
under the contract and the landowner consents to the change to the SOI.
1.4 Municipal Service Review
The CKH Act requires that a Municipal Service Review (MSR) be conducted prior to, or
in conjunction with, the update of an SOI.1 An MSR is a comprehensive analysis of
service provision by each of the cities, special districts and the unincorporated county
service areas under the legislative authority of the LAFCO. Colusa LAFCO adopted the
City of Colusa MSR in March 2010, including written determinations that addressed the
following legislative factors:
1. Growth and population projections for the affected area.
2. Present and planned capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services,
including infrastructure needs or deficiencies.
3. Financial ability of agencies to provide services.
4. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities.
5. Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure
and operational efficiencies.
6. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by
commission policy.
1.5 Possible Approaches to the Sphere of Influence
LAFCO may recommend government reorganizations to particular agencies in the
county, using the SOIs as the basis for those recommendations. Based on review of the
guidelines of Colusa LAFCO as well as other LAFCOs in the State, various conceptual
1 Government Code §56430.
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
approaches have been identified from which to choose in designating an SOI. These
seven approaches are explained below:
1) Coterminous Sphere:
A Coterminous Sphere is a sphere for a city or special district that is the same as its
existing boundaries.
2) Annexable Sphere:
A sphere larger than the agency’s boundaries identifies areas the agency is expected to
annex. The annexable area is outside its boundaries and inside the sphere. This is the
recommendation for the City of Colusa.
3) Detachable Sphere:
A sphere that is smaller than the agency’s boundaries identifies areas the agency is
expected to detach. The detachable area is the area within the agency bounds but not
within its sphere.
4) Zero Sphere:
A zero sphere indicates the affected agency’s public service functions should be
reassigned to another agency and the agency should be dissolved or combined with one
or more other agencies.
5) Consolidated Sphere:
A consolidated sphere includes two or more local agencies and indicates the agencies
should be consolidated into one agency.
6) Limited Service Sphere:
A limited service sphere is the territory included within the SOI of a multi-service provider
agency that is also within the boundary of a limited purpose district which provides the
same service (e.g., fire protection), but not all needed services. Territory designated as a
limited service SOI may be considered for annexation to the limited purpose agency
without detachment from the multi-service provider.
The limited service sphere type of SOI is generally adopted when the following
conditions exist:
a) The limited service provider is providing adequate, cost effective and efficient
services
b) The multi-service agency is the most logical provider of the other services,
c) There is no feasible or logical SOI alternative, and
d) Inclusion of the territory is in the best interests of local government organization
and structure in the area.
Government Code §56001 specifically recognizes that in rural areas it may be
appropriate to establish limited purpose agencies to serve an area rather than a single
service provider, if multiple limited purpose agencies are better able to provide efficient
services to an area rather than one service district.
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
Moreover, Government Code Section §56425(i), governing sphere determinations, also
authorizes a sphere for less than all of the services provided by a district by requiring a
district affected by a sphere action to “establish the nature, location, and extent of any
functions of classes of services provided by existing districts” recognizing that more than
one district may serve an area and that a given district may provide less than its full
range of services in an area.
7) Sphere Planning Area:
LAFCO may choose to designate a sphere planning area to signal that it anticipates
expanding an agency’s SOI in the future to include territory not yet within its official SOI.
8) Area of Concern:
LAFCO may, at its discretion, designate a geographic area beyond the Sphere of
Influence as an Area of Concern to any local agency. An Area of Concern as defined in
LAFCO’s policies is a geographic area beyond the Sphere of Influence in which land use
decisions or other governmental actions of one local agency impact directly or indirectly
upon another local agency.
1.6 SOI Update Process
LAFCO is required to establish SOIs for all local agencies and enact policies to promote
the logical and orderly development of areas within the SOIs. Furthermore, LAFCO
must update those SOIs every five years. In updating the SOI, LAFCO is required to
conduct a municipal service review (MSR) and adopt related determinations.
This report identifies preliminary SOI policy alternatives and recommends SOI options
for the City of Colusa. Development of actual SOI update will involve additional steps as
follows:
1) Opportunity for public input at a Colusa LAFCO public hearing
2) Consideration of changes requested by LAFCO Commissioners
LAFCO must notify affected agencies 21 days before holding a public hearing to
consider the SOI and may not update the SOI until after that hearing. The Colusa
LAFCO Executive Officer must issue a report including recommendations on the SOI
amendments and updates under consideration at least five days before the public
hearing.
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
1.7 SOI Amendments and CEQA
LAFCO has the discretion to limit SOI updates to those that it may process without
unnecessarily delaying the SOI update process or without requiring its funding agencies
to bear the costs of environmental studies associated with SOI expansions. Any local
agency or individual may file a written request for an SOI amendment. The request must
state the nature of and reasons for the proposed amendment, and provide a map
depicting the proposal.
LAFCO may require the requester to pay a fee to cover LAFCO costs, including the
costs of appropriate environmental review under CEQA. LAFCO may elect to serve as
lead agency for such a review, may designate the proposing agency as lead agency, or
both the local agency and LAFCO may serve as co-lead agencies for purposes of an
SOI amendment. Local agencies are encouraged to consult with LAFCO staff early in
the process regarding the most appropriate approach for the particular SOI amendment
under consideration.
Certain types of SOI amendments are likely exempt from CEQA review. Examples are
SOI expansions that include territory already within the bounds or service area of an
agency, SOI reductions, and zero SOIs.
SOI expansions for limited purpose agencies that provide services (e.g., fire protection,
levee protection, cemetery, and resource conservation) needed by both rural and urban
areas are typically not considered growth-inducing and are likely exempt from CEQA.
Similarly, SOI expansions for districts serving rural areas (e.g., irrigation water) are
typically not considered growth-inducing.
Remy et al. write
In City of Agoura Hills v. Local Agency Formation Commission (2d Dist.1988)
198 Cal.App.3d480, 493-496 [243 Cal.Rptr.740] (City of Agoura Hills), the court
held that a LAFCO’s decision to approve a city’s sphere of influence that in most
respects was coterminous with the city’s existing municipal boundaries was not a
“project” because such action did not entail any potential effects on the physical
environment.2
2 Remy, Michael H., Tina A. Thomas, James G. Moose, Whitman F. Manley, Guide to CEQA, Solano Press Books, Point
Arena, CA, February 2007, page 111.
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
2. CITY OF COLUSA SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
The determinations within the Sphere of Influence Plan are the most important planning
function given to LAFCO by the State Legislature. Spheres of Influence are described by
the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act as an important tool for “planning and shaping the
logical and orderly development and coordination of local governmental agencies so as
to advantageously provide for the present and future needs of the county and its
communities.”
Spheres serve a similar function in LAFCO determinations as general plans do for cities
and counties. Consistency with the adopted sphere plan is mandatory, and changes to
the plan require careful review. It is intended that written determinations adopted by
LAFCO and the Sphere Diagram will together guide the provision of municipal services
for the Alturas area.
While LAFCO encourages the participation and cooperation of the subject agency, the
sphere of influence plan is a LAFCO responsibility, and the Commission is the sole
authority as to the sufficiency of the documentation and the plan’s consistency with law
and LAFCO policy.
The City of Colusa’s current SOI was adopted by the City and approved by LAFCO as
part of its General Plan Land Use Map on November 8, 1984. It consists of 2,842 acres
and extends outside of the City limits in the east to the river, to the south along SR 20/45
to to Niagara Avenue, to Will S Green Road in the west. Approximately 42 percent
(1,174 acres) of the area within the City’s existing SOI is within the City limits. At the
time the SOI was adopted, the City anticipated there would be an ultimate need to
provide development within the SOI with public facilities and services over a 20-year
timeframe. Since then, the City has concluded that urban development could reasonably
be expected to extend beyond its current SOI.3
3 City of Colusa, General Plan, October 2007, p. 2-2.
9
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
2.1 City of Colusa SOI Options
Five options were identified with regard to the City of Colusa’s Sphere of Influence.
Each option is described in detail below. A map of these options follows the
descriptions.
2.1.1 Option #1: City Proposed SOI
The City has proposed an expanded SOI as part of its General Plan Update. The
proposed SOI would be an SOI expansion in the west to Wilson Avenue, McCoy Road
and Grover Avenue and the east, just south of Moonbend Road and adjacent to SR
20/45. This territory would add 963 acres to the City’s existing SOI, from approximately
2,842 acres to approximately 3,805 acres. The majority of land included in the updated
sphere of influence is designated for residential development or has been designated as
urban reserve by the City. By adopting this SOI, LAFCO would be indicating that it
anticipates this territory will be annexed to the City sometime over the next 20 years.
As indicated by the various development proposals presented to the City, substantial
interest has historically been shown by property owners and development interests to
develop land adjacent to the current City limits. While the state of the economy has
paused several of these developments, the previous interest shown by developers may
be used as an indicator of development to come over the long-term once the economy
has improved. The City’s policies reflect the belief that the proposed urban level of
development would be more appropriately served by the City than by the County, if
municipal services are available to do so. The City contends that “By expanding the
City’s SOI, the City can plan for this level of development and work with property owners
and Colusa County toward providing efficient municipal services and preventing
duplication of services by the County or private service providers.”4
To help ensure that annexations do not occur in a disjointed fashion, the City intends to
prepare and adopt an Annexation Phasing Plan that will create a logical phasing of land
annexation and development to ensure that future projects maintain a balance of land
uses with proper timing, adequate financing, and provision of infrastructure.5
The proposed development for this area was examined in the City of Colusa General
Plan and in the EIR for the General Plan. Proposed land uses in the General Plan
planning area are described in detail in Section 2.3.4 of this document.
2.1.2 Option #2: City Proposed SOI and WWTP Property
The City owns and operates a wastewater treatment plant that is located on city-owned
property outside of the city limits. The property is not contiguous to the city limits. One
4 City of Colusa, General Plan Land Use Element, 2007, p. 2-13.
5 City of Colusa, General Plan Land Use Element, 2007, p. 2-14.
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
option may be to include this property in the City’s SOI to promote the eventual
annexation of this territory. This area was not included in the City’s proposed SOI
expansion as shown in the General Plan Update; however, the City has approached
LAFCO about annexation of this property. This option could be combined with any of
the other options discussed here.
2.1.3 Option #3: City Proposed SOI and Colusa-Sacramento River State
Recreation Area
Another option may be including the Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area in
the City’s SOI. The State plans to divest itself of the park and has indicated that one
option may be the City of Colusa taking on the property in its entirety. The park is
located adjacent to the city limits in the north along the river. The total park
encompasses approximately 48 acres and offers campsites, picnic sites, and a launch
ramp for small boats. Closure of the park may impact the local economy, such as bait
and tackle shops, gas stations, markets and other shops, by limiting access to the river
in the area. The City and the County have discussed alternatives to running the park,
including the City taking over operations. By including this area in the City’s SOI, it
would promote the annexation of the territory, should the City choose to take on
operation of the park. This option could be combined with any of the other options
discussed here.
2.1.4 Option #4: Proposed SOI Less Urban Reserve
Given the significant amount of prime farmland located within the City’s proposed SOI
expansion area, the Commission may wish to consider excluding the areas from the
City’s SOI proposed as urban reserve, which are largely prime farmland, in order to keep
in line with LAFCO Policies. This option would exclude the proposed urban reserve
areas to the northwest and southeast of the City, where much of the agricultural lands
are located. Instead these areas could be established as an area of concern, thereby
giving the City the joint planning function it desires in the territory.
2.1.5 Option #5: Near-Term SOI
Given the availability of vacant land within the city limits and the tenuous nature of
housing and economic forecasts, another option may be a near-term SOI that only
includes those properties that are likely to be annexed over the next five to ten years and
necessary to meet projected population growth and housing demand, prior to the next
SOI update.
The amount of land available for new housing development is the crucial first step in
determining whether an agency can accommodate their housing needs. There must be
sufficient vacant parcels within the City limits or areas to be annexed that are already
zoned for residential uses. The City has 177 acres of vacant and underdeveloped sites
with residential land use designations and zoning, which exceeds the land needed to
accommodate the 523 units that were projected to be needed prior to 2014 (contingent
upon rezoning of 88 acres for high density residential uses). The vacant land designated
for residential uses within the City could accommodate up to 1,032 new residential units
if developed at maximum density, but will likely yield around 721 new residential units.
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
The City has been working with several developers on potential developments, including
the Riverfront District, Brookins Ranch, Colusa Crossings, Colusa Riverbend, Colusa
Industrial Park. It appears that the Colusa Crossings development (shown as Special
Plan Area #3 in the specific plan map) and Colusa Industrial Park (shown as Special
Plan Area #5 in the specific plan map) projects are the most likely to be approved and
annexed in the short-term. This option would also include some areas of commercial
professional and office professional adjacent to the planned areas.
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
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FIGURE 2.3
GENERAL PL AN LA NDUSEDIAGRAM
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
2.2 City of Colusa SOI Analysis and Recommendation
2.2.1 Absorption Rates and Projected Growth
Between 2000 and 2011, the City’s housing stock grew by 1.1 percent on average
annually. At its peak, the City’s housing stock grew by 3.9 percent in 2009, due to the
construction of a large multi-family development. The City’s average growth rate is
considered to be a reasonable barometer of likely growth in the coming years for the
purposes of considering the SOI; however, consideration must be given to the potential
for significant growth once prospective developments are approved and constructed.
During the development of the City’s General Plan, the housing market was peaking and
projections were made in anticipation of continued significant growth. Since then,
several developers have had continued interest in projects within and around the City;
however, timelines have been delayed and expectations of related growth curtailed. The
tenuous nature of the demand for housing makes it challenging to project the City’s land
needs over the next five to 20 years for the purposes of the SOI update. Should the City
continue to experience growth patterns similar to those over the last 10 years, then
housing growth would average 1.1 percent. However, the City’s General Plan assumes
that, based on land proposed for annexation and development, growth rates through
2025 will be substantially greater than historical rates with growth rates of between three
to four percent.6
There were 2,281 housing units in the City in 2011. The City’s General Plan provided an
analysis of vacant parcels within the City limits and concluded that there was remaining
development capacity for 721 housing units. Assuming future housing growth is on par
with recent growth (1.1 percent annually between 2000 and 2011), there is enough
development capacity in the existing City limits to accommodate growth through the year
2035. However, The California Department of Housing and Community Development
has allocated the region’s housing needs and determined the number of new dwelling
units that the City of Colusa must accommodate during the period 2007 to 2014.
According to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan, 523 new housing units are
allocated to the City of Colusa during that time period, which equates to 73 percent of
the development capacity of the vacant parcels within the City’s existing limits. Given
the housing market crash and economic recession, these projections appear to be
overestimated. It is assumed that housing unit growth will likely continue to mirror
historical growth of 1.1 percent annually, until the proposed developments are approved
and begin construction.
Given LAFCO’s ability to determine the planning horizon of a sphere of influence (i.e.,
five, ten or 20-years), the unpredictable nature of housing needs over the next two
decades, and LAFCO’s mandate to review and update each agency’s SOI every five
years or as necessary, it may be prudent to include a reduced area within the City’s
Sphere of Influence until growth resumes and the need for additional territory can be
more clearly established.
6 City of Colusa, General Plan Land Use Element, 2007, p. 2-12.
14
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
2.2.2 Conversion of Agricultural Land
The proposed SOI area contains approximately 1,645 acres of Prime Farmland and 270
acres of Farmland of Local Importance. The proposed SOI also contains approximately
130 acres of Grazing Land and 27 acres of Unique Farmland. Prime Farmland is of
particular importance, as this type of farmland requires the least amount of preparation
to be a productive agricultural resource (e.g., requires less fertilizer). The proposed SOI
also includes lands considered “prime agricultural land” under Government Code
Section 56064. Most of this land is located east, south, and west of the City. It appears
that the areas of prime farmland have largely been designated as Urban Reserve.
LAFCOs are tasked with the preservation of open space and prime farmland
(Government Code §56301). Additionally, Colusa LAFCO has adopted policies to
further the preservation of prime farmland, and will not approve an SOI amendment to
include prime agricultural land if there is sufficient alternative land available for
annexation within the existing Sphere of Influence (Colusa LAFCO Policies Section 3.4
(h)). Colusa LAFCO policy states (2.14): “The Commission will exercise its powers to
conserve prime agricultural ("ag") land as defined in Government Code Section 56064.”
While the City has adopted policies and programs in its General Plan, which seek to
preserve the prime agricultural land in the Planning Area, the City appears to have
sufficient developable territory to meet housing needs in the near future without the
prime agriculture areas.
LAFCO policy (2.14 (h)) states: LAFCO shall not approve any subsequent annexations
adjacent to agricultural areas without an adequate buffer. LAFCO will normally
disapprove an annexation of territory to the City of Colusa that will facilitate urban
development where the territory to be annexed or formed is adjacent to agricultural lands
unless adequate protections are included in the proposal to protect agricultural activities
on nearby agricultural lands. Adequate protection shall normally be provided for an
open space buffer of adequate width along the boundary (for example, 300 feet in width)
so as to protect adjacent agricultural lands and activities. The Commission will consider
other methods after making a finding, based on thorough environmental analysis and
substantial evidence in the record, or that a buffer of reduced width and (or) an
alternative are equally effective in protecting adjacent agricultural land and activities.
Any protections shall be in the form of long-term legally enforceable restrictions such as
a restrictive covenant or open space easement enforceable by the public as well as the
annexing or forming agency.
Because large expanses of agricultural land are located adjacent to the City limits, as
are various areas proposed for annexation and/or development, consideration should be
given to the need for agricultural buffers as new development extends outward from the
existing urban edge.
2.2.3 Urban Reserve
The City uses the urban reserve land use designation to indicate territory where future
development and extension of municipal services are contemplated but not imminent.
By identifying land within the SOI suitable for future development, the urban reserve
areas also serve as a “special interest area” in which it is the City’s policy and intention
15
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
that all development proposals within the area are subject to joint review by both the
County and the City. Until such time that the urban reserve land is pre-zoned and
annexed by the City, it is intended to develop with land uses at the densities/intensities
specified in Colusa County’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.7 Given the City’s
desire for a joint planning area in these areas, perhaps an area of concern may be more
appropriate for this round of SOI updates, giving the City the input it desires in those
areas while it develops a plan and a need for the territory. While the City has not yet
demonstrated that this territory is likely to be annexed over the SOI planning horizon,
some form of cooperative planning may be a valuable approach for areas with
development potential at a city/county boundary.
The Colusa LAFCO Policies, Standards and Procedures define an Area of Concern as a
geographic area beyond the Sphere of Influence in which land use decisions or other
governmental actions of one local agency impact directly or indirectly upon another local
agency. Colusa LAFCO may designate, at its discretion, a geographic area beyond the
Sphere of Influence as an Area of Concern to any local agency. LAFCO will notify any
Concerned Agency when the Commission receives notice of a proposal of another
agency in the Area of Concern to the Concerned Agency, and will give great weight to its
comments. If requested, Colusa LAFCO will seek to obtain a Joint Powers Agreement
or other commitment between the agencies so that the Acting Agency provides advance
notice to the Concerned Agency of any actions, or projects being considered within the
area of concern, and commits to considering any comments made by the Concerned
Agency.
2.2.4 SOI Recommendation
It is recommended that the Commission consider a combination of SOI Options #2, #3,
and #4 as described above for the City of Colusa. This SOI would be as proposed by
the City, excluding the urban reserve areas, plus the WWTP property and the State park
property. It is also recommended that the Commission consider designating the urban
reserve areas as an Area of Concern to afford the City the planning involvement it
desires.
7 City of Colusa, General Plan Land Use Element, 2007, p. 2-18.
16
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
2.3 Present and Planned Land Uses in the Colusa Area, Including Agricultural
and Open Space Lands
This section provides an overview of existing land uses within the City, planned growth
area, existing zoning designations by Colusa County, City-proposed future land uses in
the area, prime farmland in the affected area, and available vacant land within the
existing City limits.
2.3.1 Present Land Uses
The land uses within the City boundaries and existing SOI include residential,
commercial, industrial, airport, recreation, and public facilities.
Approximately 79 percent of housing units are single-family homes and 21 percent are
multi-family units and mobile homes. This percentage is similar to many rural cities and
towns in northern California where single-family housing is the predominant residential
land use. Residential development outside the unincorporated boundaries, but within
the City’s SOI, is limited primarily to single-family rural residences.
Commercial development in the City occurs primarily along the Bridge Street (SR 20/45)
corridor and along Market and Main Streets in the core downtown area.
Twenty acres of land within Colusa’s city limits are designated industrial, with this type of
use constituting the second largest land use in the City (after single-family residential).
Industrial uses include a trailer manufacturer near the Colusa-Sacramento River State
Recreation Area (SRA) and the City corporation yards between Main and Market
Streets. Additional underutilized industrial land includes the Pirelli site south of the
Fairgrounds. The vast majority of industrial property in the City’s planning area,
however, is situated on unincorporated lands located south of the City around the
Colusa County Airport and along the SR 20/45 corridor southwest of the City.
The Colusa County Airport, located adjacent to and west of SR 20/45, is the only airport
within the Planning Area and the only public airport in Colusa County. It is located on
approximately 81 acres about one-half mile southeast of the City of Colusa.
The City has about 15.5 acres of parkland and recreational areas within the City
boundaries.
Public facility uses include City Hall, Colusa County offices (the City of Colusa is the
County seat), public safety offices, the library, a post office, and other public offices
currently located in and around the historic downtown area.
2.3.2 County Zoning in Proposed SOI Expansion Area
The Colusa County General Plan Land Use Element designates lands beyond the City
of Colusa’s existing Sphere of Influence as Agriculture-General (A-G), Agriculture-
Transition (A-T), and Industrial (I). The Colusa County General Plan also designates
land that is within the City’s proposed SOI as Agriculture-Transition (A-T), Agriculture-
General (A-G), Rural Residential (RR), Urban Residential (UR), and Industrial (I). These
designations generally permit rural or very low-density residential development.
17
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
2.3.3 Prime Farmland
Future development and associated public improvements allowed under the proposed
City of Colusa General Plan would result in the conversion of important farmland.
According to the Colusa County Important Farmland Map (2002), the proposed Planning
Area contains approximately 1,645 acres of Prime Farmland and 270 acres of Farmland
of Local Importance. The Planning Area also contains approximately 130 acres of
Grazing Land and 27 acres of Unique Farmland. Prime Farmland is of particular
importance, as this type of farmland requires the least amount of preparation to be a
productive agricultural resource (e.g., requires less fertilizer). The Planning Area also
includes lands considered “prime agricultural land” under Government Code Section
56064. Most of this land is located east, south, and west of the City. The City’s General
Plan update and proposed SOI would permit residential and other development in these
areas. Once these agricultural lands are developed, they essentially are lost as an
agricultural resource. 8 Agricultural land is not identified as a use in the General Plan
Update and implementation of the General Plan Update is therefore assumed to result in
a loss of approximately 1,942 acres (1,645 acres of Prime Farmland, 270 acres of
Farmland of Local Importance, and 27 acres of Unique Farmland) of farmland and loss
of prime agricultural land as these lands will be designated for other uses.9
The soil types within the City’s Proposed Sphere of Influence are shown on a map at the
end of this report and are listed in the table below:10 A description of each soil is found in
Appendix A at the end of this report.
SOIL TYPES IN PROPOSED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Soil Type Acres
106 Willows Silty Clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Not Prime farmland. 0.01
107 Scribner silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, Prime 57.06
farmland if irrigated and drained.
108 Scribner silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes; Prime farmland if irrigated and 43.59
drained.
124 Moonbend silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded; Prime 0.98
farmland if irrigated.
125 Moonbend silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes; Prime farmland if irrigated. 2,016.40
130 Corbiere silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes; Prime farmland if irrigated. 2.50
136 Colusa loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes; Not Prime farmland. 551.81
160 Grandbend loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes; Prime farmland if irrigated. 238.13
170 Vina loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded; Not Prime farmland. 6.91
171 Vina loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes; Not Prime farmland. 917.85
652 Water; Not Prime farmland. 25.58
Total Acres in SOI 3,860.83
8 City of Colusa, General Plan EIR, 2007, p. 4.1-18.
9 City of Colusa, General Plan EIR, 2007, p. 4.1-19.
10 USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service, http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/, September
25, 2009.
18
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
Goals, policies and implementation actions included as part of the City of Colusa’s 2025
General Plan that would minimize impacts to agricultural resources include:
Land Use Element
Goal LU-2: To ensure public health and safety by maintaining adequate buffers between
agricultural land and urbanized areas.
Policy LU-2.1: Development projects shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to
ensure that adequate buffers are maintained between urban and agricultural lands,
while giving developers flexibility in design at the urban edge.
Implementing Action LU-2.1.a: Development Review
Impacts of proposed new development will be evaluated with each proposal.
Mitigation of significant impacts to the agriculture/urban interface will be
required as conditions of approval of site plans and subdivision maps.
Agricultural buffers will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on
adjacent agricultural uses. Potential mitigation measures may include
disclosure to potential buyers of properties adjacent to agricultural uses,
agreements between developers and adjacent agricultural landowners,
agricultural easements, and/or land transfers.
Implementing Action LU-2.1.b: Development Agreements
As appropriate, the City will use the development agreement process
established under State law and the Zoning Ordinance. This process
provides for specific requirements of the developers of major projects to
ensure compliance with the policies of this General Plan and provides for
other benefits to the City in exchange for land use entitlement certainty for
developers and property owners.
Implementing Action LU-2.1.c: Interagency Coordination
The City’s efforts to achieve managed growth that preserves agriculture at
the edge of the City’s urban growth boundary while allowing development to
occur will require intergovernmental coordination. The City will work with
State and local agencies, including LAFCO, Colusa County, the Airport Land
Use Commission, Colusa Unified School District, Caltrans, and other affected
agencies, particularly during planning and development review of proposed
development projects. As part of the General Plan adoption process, the City
will inform affected agencies of the City’s change in its planning area
boundary (SOI), the newly adopted land use districts, and City policies
regarding land use in proximity to agricultural areas.
Goal LU-4: To protect agricultural operations as new development occurs.
Policy LU-4.1: The City shall require an evaluation of the potential for adverse
impacts on agricultural production and economic value from exposure to urban
development for all new projects adjacent to rural lands. It is the intent of this policy
to minimize the creation of conditions that will impair any present farm operations
to a degree that threatens the long-term viability of the use of that land for
continued agricultural purposes.
Implementing ActionLU-4.1.a: Development Review
19
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
Through the development review process, projects will be evaluated to
ensure that impacts to existing farming or other agricultural operations will not
be adversely affected or restricted by adjacent urban uses. The City will
require that developers of residential projects, which are within general
proximity to agricultural operations in the County, provide notification to new
homeowners within their deeds, of the County’s right-to-farm ordinance. In
addition, projects requiring and/or proposing the use of agricultural buffers will
be reviewed for adequacy of mitigation by the Agricultural Commission, Farm
Bureau, and any other recognized authority.
Policy LU-4.2: The City shall require a 200-500 foot residential buffer, based on the
type of agricultural use (e.g., field crops, orchards, grazing, etc.) and method of
pesticide application (aerial, ground application), as appropriate.
Implementing Action LU-4.2.a: Development Review (see Implementing
Action LU-4.1.a above.
Policy LU-4.3: The City shall require a combination of a residential buffer, masonry
fencing, tree plantings at the urban edge to mitigate agricultural impacts of noise,
dust, trespass, and pesticide/herbicide overspray.
Implementing Action LU-4.3.a: Development Review (see Implementing
Action LU-4.1.a above.
Parks, Recreation and Conservation Element
Goal PRC – 7: To protect and preserve soils as a natural resource.
Policy PRC-7.1: The City shall minimize soil erosion and sedimentation by
maintaining compatible land uses, suitable building designs, and appropriate
construction techniques.
Implementing Action PRC-7.1.a: Best Management Practices
The City will require that developers use Best Management Practices (BMPs)
as recommended by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS). Approaches to design, construction, and maintenance techniques
should ensure that development would not cause or worsen erosion and
sedimentation. Techniques will include erosion and sediment control
practices, such as hay bales, turbidity screens, temporary vegetation, and
other management practices during construction. The City will require that
these measures be left in place until disturbed areas are stabilized with
permanent vegetation that will prevent the transport of sediment offsite.
Implementing Action PRC-7.1.b: Development Review
Developments will be reviewed to ensure that sound soil conservation
practices and minimization of land alterations are incorporated into project
design and construction.
Implementing Action PRC-7.1.c: Grading and Erosion Control Ordinance
The City will adopt and implement a grading and erosion control ordinance
that includes specific standards for project construction and erosion control.
This ordinance will address prompt revegetation of disturbed areas,
20
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
avoidance of grading activities during wet weather, avoidance of drainage
corridors and riverbanks, and other erosion control measures.
Goal PRC-8: To retain agricultural land uses beyond the City’s urban growth boundary.
Policy PRC 8.1: The City shall support efforts to preserve existing agricultural land
uses in areas outside the City’s sphere of influence.
Implementing Action LU-8.1.a: Interagency Coordination (see Implementing
Action LU-2.1.c above).
Implementing Action LU-8.1.b: Public/Private Partnerships
The City will work with Colusa County, nonprofit organizations, and
landowners to establish programs that will protect prime agricultural areas
within one-quarter (¼) to one-half (½) mile of the sphere of influence
boundary, including a process to implement techniques such as transfer of
development rights, agricultural conservation easements, and farmland
trusts. The City will also work with Colusa County to establish mutually
reinforcing goals of city-centered development in order to prevent the
intrusion of residential development into agricultural lands.
Implementing Action PRC-8.1.c: Development Review Process
The Development Review process will include a project-specific assessment
of loss of Prime Farmland and determine appropriate mitigation (type and
amount) in accordance with the City’s adopted policy or program that
provides for mitigating loss of Prime Farmland within the General Plan’s
Planning Area.
General Plan EIR
Mitigation Measure 4.1.5
As part of the Development Review process associated with Implementing Action
LU-2.1.a, the City shall review development projects to mitigate for loss of Prime
Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, or and Farmland of Local
Importance, as defined by the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program and
“prime agricultural land”, as defined by Government Code Section 56064 by: (1)
granting a farmland conservation easement to or for the benefit of the City and/or a
qualifying entity approved by the City, at a 1:1 ratio for each acre developed, (2) if
the City adopts a farmland conservation program, by payment of an in lieu fee as
established by the farmland conservation program, which shall be reviewed and
adjusted periodically to ensure that the fee is adequate to offset the cost of
purchasing farmland conservation easements at a 1:1 ratio, or (3) other form of
compensation at a 1:1 ratio, such as improvements to existing agricultural land,
that is acceptable to the City and conserves the farmland in perpetuity. The City
shall prepare guidelines identifying requirements for conservation easements,
including timing of conservation easements, location of land to be preserved, land
mitigation ratio and quality, and minimum standards for conservation easements.
Mitigation Measures 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.3.1
The project applicant shall mitigate for loss of Prime Farmland, Farmland of
Statewide Importance, or and Farmland of Local Importance, as defined by the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program and “prime agricultural land”, as
21
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
defined by Government Code Section 56064 by either (1) granting a farmland
conservation easement to or for the benefit of the City and/or an entity approved by
the City, at a 1:1 ratio for each acre developed, or (2) if the City adopts a farmland
conservation program, by payment of an in lieu fee as established by the farmland
conservation program, which shall be reviewed and adjusted periodically to ensure
that the fee is adequate to offset the cost of purchasing farmland conservation
easements at a 1:1 ratio.
2.3.4 City Proposed Land Uses
The City’s General Plan assigns 11 land use designations to land within the City’s
Planning Area, including four designated subcategories within the general mixed use
designation.
The Estate Residential (ER) land use district accommodates very low density residential
development—lands generally to northwest, south, and southeast of the City core area.
The Low Density Residential (LDR) land use district is generally distributed throughout
the City and most unincorporated areas within the SOI.
The Medium Density Residential (MDR) land use district is generally found in the
eastern portion of the City, east of the Bridge Street corridor, and in the western region
north of the SR 20 corridor. The MDR designation is intended for a variety of housing
product types, including detached townhouses, duplexes, and triplexes.
The High Density Residential (HDR) land use district is generally located along the SR
20/45 corridor and in the western Planning Area north of the SR 20 corridor. The HDR
designation provides for apartments, condominiums, and townhomes that can provide
affordable housing for a range of income levels.
The Urban Reserve (UR) land use district is generally located in three areas of the City:
1) on the east side of the City, south of Moon Bend Road, 2) in the southern portion of
the City south Walnut Ranch on both side of Wescott Road, and 3) west of the 14th
Street, north of Wilson Avenue.
The Commercial Professional (CP) land use district focuses on parcels in the southern
portion of the City of Colusa along the SR 20/45 corridor, as well as the western
Planning Area north of SR 20.
The Mixed Use (MU) district is applied to four specific areas within the City, with each
area intended to emphasize a mix of land uses. The MU locations are: Main Street
Mixed Use District, Downtown Commercial Mixed Use District, Bridge Street Mixed Use
District, and Residential Mixed Use District.
The Office Professional/Light Industrial designation is generally located south of SR 20
on the west side of the City and west of SR 20/45 north of Moon Bend Road. Additional
land designated for Office Professional/Light Industrial use is situated along 14th Street
between Wilson and Lurline Avenues. This designation includes an integrated mix of
professional offices with light industrial uses.
22
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space land uses are designated throughout the City of
Colusa, with the largest areas located in the southern portion of the City Planning Area.
Open space areas are also designated along the bank of the Sacramento River.
The Industrial land use designation applies to properties generally located west of Will S.
Green Avenue south of SR 20, and the west side of SR 20/45 south of Farinon Road.
The Public Facilities land use designation applies to land uses serving the public benefit.
This designation provides for a full-range of public and private facilities distributed
throughout the City of Colusa.
This General Plan update includes a proposed expansion of the existing Sphere of
Influence from approximately 2,842 acres to approximately 3,805 acres. The majority of
land included in the proposed sphere of influence is designated for residential
development or has been designated as Urban Reserve.
Special Planning Areas (SPAs) are planning areas that will provide substantial new
growth and redevelopment opportunities for the City. These SPAs will be planned,
annexed, and ultimately developed through the use of specific plans or planned
developments. New growth SPAs (all SPAs except for Riverfront District) consist of
significant acreages of vacant land that present new growth opportunities for the City.
Each of these areas is being actively planned for urban development. The proposed
land use in each of the six special planning areas is described below.
Special Planning Areas Proposed Land Uses
SPA 1: Colusa Riverfront District Mixed Use
Single Family Residential, Parks, Public Parking,
Parks/Detention, Greenways, Open Space, Fire
SPA 2: Brookings Ranch Station, Existing Brookings Residence
Low Density Residential, Medium Density
Residential, High Density Residential, Commercial,
SPA 3: Colusa Crossings Parks, Open Space, Elementary School
Low and Medium Density Residential, Elementary
SPA 4: Colusa Riverbend School, Parks, Open Space
Industrial, Low Density Residential, Commercial
SPA 5: Colusa Industrial Park Professional, Parks, Recreational, Open Space
SPA 6: Airport Influence Area Airport Facility, Parks/Recreation/Open Space
2.3.5 Inventory of Vacant or Underutilized Land
The Residential Land Inventory section quantifies the amount of vacant land available in
the City for future development of all housing types; it provides an analysis of whether
the inventory would be adequate to meet the City’s identified housing need for the 2007-
2014 planning period.
23
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
The City of Colusa Housing Element (2009) shows that vacant parcels within the City
with access to public services and facilities total 177 acres.11 These parcels can be
developed for a maximum of 1,031.93 residential units, but are more likely to be
developed for 721.23 residential units.12 An inventory of vacant or underutilized parcels
as of November 2008 is shown below.
While the vacant property within the City appears to have the capacity to accommodate
the overall projected regional housing needs through 2014, the City lacks sufficient land
zoned for very low and extremely low-income housing. The City has an abundance of
sites available for single-family and two-family (duplex) residential development. These
sites would adequately meet the unaccommodated need and projected need for housing
affordable to moderate and above moderate income households, as specified by the
City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The land inventory identified no
vacant land within the Neighborhood Apartment District (R-3) or the General Apartment
District (R-4). This lack of land zoned to accommodate multi-family development
severely limits the potential for affordable housing to be constructed in the City to assist
in meeting the City’s RHNA allocation for very low and low income units. The City’s
Housing Element proposes rezoning 88 acres of vacant land to R-3 and R-4 for higher
density development. If this land were rezoned, it would translate to more than 1,000
potential lower-income units, which would greatly exceed the City’s RHNA allocation.
During this cycle, the City proposes paying particular attention to rezoning land from low-
or medium-density (R-1 and R-2) to higher density (R-3 and R-4) in order to bring the
General Plan Land Use designations into conformance with the zoning map and to
increase the amount of adequate sites available for affordable housing development to
address a shortfall of 114 units affordable to lower income households.
In 2008, the City of Colusa had 2,123 housing units.13 The General Plan Planning Area
could accommodate 9,089 housing units for an estimated population of 25,904.14
Subtracting the existing housing units, the General Plan Planning Area could allow an
additional 6,963 housing units. Using the maximum potential of 1,032 residential units
allowed within the City Limits this would mean that the Planning Area could provide
5,931 additional residential dwelling units or nearly three times as many as are currently
in the City of Colusa.
11 City of Colusa, Housing Element August 2009, Page 9-77.
12 City of Colusa, Housing Element August 2009, Page 9-77.
13 City of Colusa, Housing Element August 2009, page 9-19.
14 City of Colusa, Colusa General Plan, Draft Master Environmental Impact Report, July 2007, page 7.0-24
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LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
Density Unit Potential Potential
PARCEL Range Unit Potential Likely Affordability (by
NUMBER1 ACRES ZONING2,3 (du/ac)4,5 Max. Density Density6, 7 income level)
002-120-0288 9.53 R-1 5.45 51.94 41.55 Mod -Above Mod
002-120-0278 8.55 R-1 5.45 46.60 37.28 Mod -Above Mod
002-120-0258 4.65 R-1 5.45 25.34 20.27 Mod -Above Mod
002-120-0268 3.66 R-1 5.45 19.95 15.96 Mod -Above Mod
002-120-0298 3.66 R-1 5.45 19.95 15.96 Mod -Above Mod
002-120-030 4.1 R-4 16 82 60 Very Low-Mod
002-130-010 1 R-1 5.45 5.45 4.36 Mod -Above Mod
002-070-002 2 R-1 5.45 10.90 8.72 Mod -Above Mod
002-070-008 2.14 R-1 5.45 11.66 9.33 Mod -Above Mod
002-270-002 3.61 R-1 5.45 19.67 15.74 Mod -Above Mod
002-270-003 2 R-1 5.45 10.90 8.72 Mod -Above Mod
002-270-004 4.67 R-1 5.45 25.45 20.36 Mod -Above Mod
002-270-005 3.25 R-1 5.45 17.71 14.17 Mod -Above Mod
002-270-006 2.11 R-1 5.45 11.50 9.20 Mod -Above Mod
002-270-007 36.76 R-1 5.45 200.34 160.27 Mod -Above Mod
002-270-0088 22.69 R-1 5.45 123.66 98.93 Mod -Above Mod
002-270-0098 1.28 R-1 5.45 6.98 5.58 Mod -Above Mod
001-350-048 1.8 R-1 5.45 9.81 7.85 Mod -Above Mod
002-170-004 5.33 R-1 5.45 29.05 23.24 Mod -Above Mod
002-170-003 1.45 R-1 5.45 7.90 6.32 Mod -Above Mod
002-170-002 2.9 R-1 5.45 15.81 12.64 Mod -Above Mod
001-350-047 0.89 R-1 5.45 4.85 3.88 Mod -Above Mod
001-350-046 0.58 R-1 5.45 3.16 2.53 Mod -Above Mod
015-165-009 5.99 R-1 5.45 32.65 26.12 Mod -Above Mod
002-280-0029 31.91 R-1 5.45 173.91 139.13 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-001 0.18 R-1 5.45 0.98 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-002 0.18 R-1 5.45 0.98 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-003 0.18 R-1 5.45 0.98 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-004 0.18 R-1 5.45 0.98 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-008 0.24 R-1 5.45 1.31 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-015 0.37 R-1 5.45 2.02 2.0 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-013 0.23 R-1 5.45 1.25 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-012 0.24 R-1 5.45 1.31 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-011 0.25 R-1 5.45 1.36 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-010 0.25 R-1 5.45 1.36 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-290-009 0.25 R-1 5.45 1.36 1.00 Mod -Above Mod
002-300-037 1.64 R-1 5.45 8.94 7.15 Mod -Above Mod
002-320-001 0.71 R-1 5.45 3.87 3.10 Mod -Above Mod
002-320-002 0.67 R-1 5.45 3.65 2.92 Mod -Above Mod
002-320-003 0.68 R-1 5.45 3.71 2.96 Mod -Above Mod
002-320-004 1.04 R-1 5.45 5.67 4.53 Mod -Above Mod
002-320-005 0.58 R-1 5.45 3.16 2.53 Mod -Above Mod
002-320-006 0.45 R-1 5.45 2.45 1.96 Mod -Above Mod
002-320-008 0.47 R-1 5.45 2.56 2.05 Mod -Above Mod
002-320-009 0.37 R-1 5.45 2.02 1.61 Mod -Above Mod
002-320-011 0.42 R-1 5.45 2.29 1.83 Mod -Above Mod
001-183-007 0.22 R-2 12.45 2.74 2.00 Low -Mod
002-070-006 0.45 R-2 12.45 5.60 4.48 Low -Mod
001-305-014 0.17 R-2 12.45 2.12 2.00 Low -Mod
001-305-013 0.17 R-2 12.45 2.12 2.00 Low -Mod
TOTAL 177 n/a n/a 1031.93 721.23
Source: City of Colusa, General Plan Housing Element, 2009, p. 9-76. Notes:
1) All of the sites included in this table were available for development as of November 2008.
2) Minimum required lot area per dwelling unit, by zoning district, is as follows: R-1: 8,000 R-2: 3,500 R-3: 1,500 R-4: 1,500.
3) Residential development within Commercial zone districts requires approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
4) Per the City’s Zoning Ordinance, the unit density for Commercial zone districts is based on residential development standards for the R-4 district.
5) Unit density for the R-1 district do not account for allowable second units.
6) For larger parcels assumes 20 percent of parcel for streets and public facilities uses.
7) No partial lot density is assumed for previously subdivided small parcels.
8) Parts of these APNs 002-120-025, 026, 027, 028, 029 and 002-270-008, 009 need to be rezoned to comply with the GP LU element. R-4 is
recommended. This would create approximately 54 acres of R-3 and R-4
9) 002-280-002 may be rezoned to R-4 if City can work with the developers.
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2.3.6 SOI Determinations on Present and Planned Land Use
Determination 1-1: Present Land Uses
-Approximately 79 percent of housing units are single-family homes and 21
percent are multi-family units and mobile homes.
-Industrial land uses comprise the second greatest area within the city limits.
-Present land uses in the proposed SOI expansion area consists of significant
agricultural lands.
-The County is the land use authority for the unincorporated areas that are
proposed to be included in the City’s SOI, as such, the County’s existing General
Plan has established land use designations for these areas. The County’s
General Plan is presently undergoing an update.
Determination 1-2: Planned Land Uses
-The majority of land included in the proposed sphere of influence is designated
for residential development or has been designated as Urban Reserve.
-Colusa County has extensive land in public ownership which will provide for
ample open space.
Determination 1-3: Prime Farmland
-Future development and associated public improvements allowed under the
proposed City of Colusa General Plan would result in the conversion of important
farmland.
-The City has adopted several General Plan policies to minimize the impact of
development on agricultural uses.
-LAFCO shall support appropriate buffer areas separating agricultural lands from
lands with densities higher than 1 unit to 5 acres.
-Land annexed to the City of Colusa and developed at city densities can help to
preserve agricultural land by accommodating more development on less land.
Determination 1-4: Vacant Property
-At present zoning levels, the City’s vacant property does not have sufficient land
to meet its housing allocation for low and very low income households.
-Once rezoned, vacant property within city limits is anticipated to have ample
capacity to accommodate its regional housing allocation through 2014.
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2.4. Present and Probable Need for Services
This section provides estimates of recent and projected future growth for the City of
Colusa and the SOI expansion area.
2.4.1 Population Levels
According to the most recent Census, the City had a population of 5,971 in 2010, which
equates to a growth rate of 10.5 percent over the last decade or one percent average
annual growth since 2000. Similarly, over the last 40 years (1970 to 2010), the City has
experienced a median average annual growth rate of one percent. The City experienced
the lowest growth rate over the 10-year period from 1980 to 1990 of 0.6 percent, and the
highest growth rate of 1.9 percent annually between 1980 and 1990. More recently, the
City’s growth rate has plateaued, averaging between 0.9 and 1.0 percent over the last
20 years (1990 to 2010).
Average
Annual
% Change Growth Rate
Year Population Change over Period (10 Years)
1970 3,842 -- -- --
1980 4,075 +233 6.1% 0.6%
1990 4,934 +859 21.1% 1.9%
2000 5,402 +468 9.5% 0.9%
2010 5,971 +569 10.5% 1.0%
40-year Median 1.0%
2.4.2 Recent Growth
2.4.2.1 Building Permits and Absorption Rates
Population growth in the City did not meet population growth projections and the
anticipated need for additional housing did not materialize during the 2003 - 2008
Housing Element planning period.
A total of 195 building permits were issued over the last decade (2000 to 2010), or an
average of approximately 17 units per year during that time frame. As shown in the
figure below, a majority of the building permits were for single family residences, with the
exception of 2007, when the City issued permits for 80 multi-family residences. The
housing market bust and economic recession are readily apparent in 2008, 2009 and
2010, when the City issued a total of four permits over the three year period.
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90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Single Family Two Family Three and Four Family Five or More Family
Due to the lag between the issuance of a building permit, construction and habitization of
the building, the peak building permit period experienced between 2004 and 2007
translates into peak absorption rates between 2006 and 2010. Between 2000 and 2010,
the number of dwelling units within the City of Colusa grew 1.1 percent annually on
average, with annual growth averaging 2.2 percent between 2006 and 2010.
% Growth in Dwelling Units
4.5%
4.0%
3.5%
3.0%
2.5%
2.0%
1.5%
1.0%
0.5%
0.0%
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
-0.5%
2.4.2.2 Jobs-Housing Balance
Government Code §65890.1 states that State land use patterns that balance the location
of employment generating uses with residential uses so that employment-related
commuting is minimized should be encouraged. This type of balance is normally
measured by a jobs-to-housing ratio, which must take into account the location, intensity,
nature, and relationship of jobs and housing, housing demand, housing costs, and
transportation systems. According to the State General Plan Guidelines, a jobs-to-
housing ratio of 1.5:1 is considered balanced.
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According to 2008 DOF and EDD data, there were 3,150 jobs available in the City of
Colusa for 2,000 occupied housing units (DOF, 2008, EDD 2008). This equates to a
jobs-to-housing ration of 1.56 jobs for each housing unit, indicating a balanced jobs to
housing relationship.
Although the job-to-housing ratio is balanced for the City, employment data indicates
that many of the jobs are in agriculture, which is a typically low-paying employment
sector. As such, many of the jobs available in the local economy would not pay
adequately to support rental or home-ownership within the city. The result is that many
City residents commute out of the City for better paying jobs. This is reflected in
commute time data collected for the 2000 Census, which indicates that the mean travel
time to work for those living in the City of Colusa was 17.8 minutes in 1999 (Census
2000). Census 2000 data indicate that more than 46 percent of the City’s work force
commuted more than 15 minutes to work. This suggests that many individuals commute
into the Yuba City area for employment, choosing to have their place of residence in
Colusa.
2.4.3 Growth Projections
While historical growth rate has averaged at 1.1 percent annually over the last decade,
there is a potential for substantial growth as indicated by interest from perspective
developers. However, economic uncertainty limits the ability to forecast growth
projections and housing needs for the City with any kind of certainty.
The City anticipates substantially lower population growth rates for the Housing
Element’s five-year planning period than the three to four percent average annual growth
rate projected in the General Plan Land Use Element (adopted in October 2007). The
growth rate projection in the Housing Element is 0.95 percent, which is consistent with
State Department of Finance estimates.15
Over the 20-year planning period, job growth in the Planning Area is anticipated to
increase by an estimated 3,000 to 8,300 new jobs, based on additional square footage
that will be available for a variety of non-residential uses. Based on a 1.3 percent
average annual job growth rate from 2000 to 2007, Colusa will likely see the creation of
nearly 200 jobs over the life of the Housing Element through 2014.16
The housing element process begins with the California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) allocating a region's share of the statewide housing
need to Councils of Governments (COG) based on Department of Finance population
projections and regional population forecasts used in preparing regional transportation
plans.
Per California Government Code Section 65584.06, HCD is required to develop a plan to
distribute the final determination of regional housing need to each local government not
represented by a council of governments. HCD has prepared the Regional Housing
15 City of Colusa, General Plan Housing Element, 2009, p.9-8.
16 Ibid, p. 9-17.
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Needs Allocation Plan (RHNAP) for the City of Colusa to allocate the region’s share of
the statewide need for housing. This allocation to each community is known as the
community’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The RHNA Plan identifies the
number of dwelling units, including the number of affordable dwelling units, by income
group, that each jurisdiction in Colusa County must accommodate January 1, 2007
through June 30, 2014 (a 7½-year planning period). According to the RHNA Plan, 523
new housing units are allocated to the City of Colusa for the period 2007 to 2014.
At the time of the writing of this Housing Element the most significant constraints to
development of affordable housing are the unfavorable economic and real estate
environment and the lack of land within the City zoned for high density residential
development. Other housing supply constraints identified include governmental
constraints, constraints related to the environment, and lack of infrastructure/public
facilities, as well as non-governmental constraints.
2.4.4 Present and Planned Development Projects
The City is currently working to establish a Redevelopment Agency and identify a
redevelopment area in an effort to revitalize the downtown area. The updated General
Plan includes land use designations to encourage residential and commercial mixed-use
development and conversion of existing commercial buildings to mixed uses to bring
more people into the downtown area and create a better climate for local downtown
businesses. This effort could lead to employment growth in the retail, restaurant and
real-estate management sectors.
A recent renovation of a building along the 5th Street to create more office/professional
building space points to continued interest in locating government offices and
government-serving professional services in close proximity to County government
offices. Additional population growth in Colusa County will require growth in the ranks of
County employees to provide services to the growing population. This expansion of
workforce and additional office space indicates a trend toward increased professional
and clerical employment opportunities in the City.
The 137.5-acre Colusa Industrial Park (CIP) is located outside the City limits, but within
the SOI. Businesses located within CIP already provide many jobs to city residents,
primarily in agriculture-serving industries, business, medical, and government. Additional
development within CIP is proposed and includes the potential for a hotel, restaurant,
and other highway commercial services in addition to residential development. Current
tenants within the CIP complex range from county government and business offices to
medical and dental facilities. Further development within CIP and future annexation of
this area could result in the addition of substantial employment in diverse industries. CIP
has submitted a development proposal to rezone an additional 575 acres for industrial
uses, which is currently being processed by the County of Colusa.
The 2007 Colusa General Plan designates five Special Planning Areas (SPA) within the
City’s Sphere of Influence that have been identified as unique planning areas that could
provide substantial new growth and redevelopment opportunities for the City (the
boundaries of these SPAs are shown in Figure 2.4 of the General Plan). However, with
the recent downturn in the economy, three development proposals that were considered
active housing projects within these SPAs are now dormant and not expected to be
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LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
developed within the timeframe of this Housing Element update. The only potentially
viable project is Colusa Riverbend (Phase I) in SPA 4 – the only proposal that is
currently within the City limits. This 77-acre development proposes up to 397 single-
family homes within the City’s designation of three to eight units per acre for this
property. The western portion of the site contains a smaller area of land designated for
medium-density residential development consistent with the General Plan’s density
range of eight to twelve units per acre. The City is currently working with an affordable
housing developer to determine the potential for a multi-family housing development
similar to Colusa Del Rey apartment project.
Two residential subdivisions are currently being processed or have been approved
within the existing City limits. These two projects are discussed briefly below.
Tennant Estates
A tentative subdivision map was approved in October 2005 for the proposed Tennant
Estates subdivision, which is located within the Colusa City limits, south of the downtown
core, west of Wescott Road. The project would divide the approximate 31.9-acre
assessor’s parcel number 002-280-002 into 101-lot residential lots. The lots, ranging in
size from 8,000 to 16,087 square feet, are currently proposed to be developed with
single-family homes. Homes constructed are anticipated to be affordable to moderate to
above-moderate income groups. At the time of the writing of this housing element public
improvement plans for the project were under review by the City Engineer. No final map
has been approved or submitted for the Tennant Estates project. The City is working
with an applicant to possibly make this a multi-family affordable housing project.
White Parcel
The White Tentative Parcel Map was approved by the Planning Commission in 2006 and
an extension of the map was granted by the Planning Commission in 2008 to extend the
life of the tentative parcel map to July 25, 2009. The tentative parcel map proposes to
divide assessor’s parcel number 001-183-007 into two smaller parcels to allow for
construction of two single-family homes. The homes would be expected to be affordable
to those in the moderate to above moderate income groups. A final subdivision map has
been approved for the property division and development.
2.4.4.1 Phased Annexation Plan
With the proposals for annexation and development of Brookins Ranch, the Vann
property, and parcels between SR 20/45 and the Sacramento River, land is expected to
convert at a fairly rapid rate from vacant or agricultural use to residential and commercial
uses. The City’s Land Use Element allows for development of these properties at urban
densities out to the edge of the proposed SOI, thereby avoiding or minimizing
development that by-passes available sites closer to the City. When land at the urban
edge is developed, the City may require infrastructure improvements such as the over-
sizing of utility lines and street rights-of-way, as well as applying appropriate Design
Guidelines acknowledging that growth may occur beyond the project site.
Large tracts of land that comprise Brookins Ranch, the Vann property, and properties
east of Highway 20/45 are likely to be multi-phased developments. The City will
encourage that successive project phases tie into existing development closer to or
adjacent to the developed portions of the City. This pattern is preferred over any
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development proposal beginning at the edges of individual projects or the edge of the
sphere of influence.
2.4.5 SOI Determinations on Present and Probable Need for Services
Determination 2-1: Existing Population and Past Population Growth
-There were 5,971 residents in the City limits in 2010.
-The City’s population has grown between 2000 and 2010 on average by one
percent annually.
-Between 2000 and 2010, the number of dwelling units within the City of Colusa
grew 1.1 percent annually on average, with annual growth averaging 2.2 percent
between 2006 and 2010.
-The City of Colusa generally experienced balanced job-to-housing ratio.
Determination 2-2: Future Population Growth
-The City’s General Plan Land Use element projects the average annual
population growth over the five-year period of three to four percent.
-Housing element estimates that the average annual growth to be 0.95 percent
which is consistent with DOF projections.
-The City of Colusa is projected see the creation of nearly 200 jobs through 2014.
Determination 2-3: Present and Planned Development Projects
-There is an effort to bring more people into the downtown area and create better
climate for downtown businesses.
-There are six Special Planning Areas within the City’s SOI; however, three
development proposals are currently dormant because of the downturn in the
economy.
-Two residential subdivisions are currently being processed or have recently been
approved within the City limits: Tennant Estates and White Parcel.
2.5 Public Facilities and Services
2.5.1 Overview of Facility Capacity and Adequacy
All City services will be required in the SOI expansion area upon annexation into the
City. The MSR found that the City generally exhibits the characteristics of well-managed
local government, which strives to serve its residents and constituents effectively. The
service, nature, present service level capacity and adequacy of public services are
shown for backbone City services, including fire and EMS, water and wastewater, in the
table below. No evidence in the MSR suggests that the City could not provide adequate
services to the existing SOI or the proposed SOI expansion area. The City of Colusa
facilities have the capacity to be expanded to serve additional population.
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LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
Service Nature Service Adequacy Facility Capacity
The fire station is in need of repairs and renovations
According to Fire Department due to the age of the facility. The Fire Department
personnel, the Department can lacks the necessary funding to accomplish these
provide an average of three to four improvements. Additionally, it is unlikely that the
minute response time to anywhere existing facility will be able to house additional
The City provides fire
Fire & EMS within the current service area. The equipment necessary to serve proposed
and EMS services.
Department has an ISO rating of 3. developments as the station has reached its size
Overall, fire protection service in capacity for Department staff and
the City of Colusa can be equipment.Development proposals in and around the
characterized as good. City will require the construction of a new facility in
the southern area of the City.
The City of Colusa relies
on the Sacramento
Valley Groundwater If all wells are active and online during the maximum
Basin, Colusa Subbasin day plus fire flow condition, the system capacity is
for water supply. The slightly less than the maximum day and fire flow
City of Colusa currently demand, but within the margin of error of the study,
serves approximately the fire flow condition would likely be met. However, if
5,800 people with about any of the wells were unavailable, then reduced fire
2,120 water service The City's water service appears flow, low system pressure, and possibly water
Water
connections. Historically, adequate. outages would occur within the system. Therefore it
water supply within the is concluded that the existing system does not have
City has been from reliable supply capacity to meet the maximum day
groundwater wells. The and fire flow scenario simultaneously. The City's
City’s well network has water supply and treatment capacity are sufficient to
been gradually expanded meet the needs of build out within the city limits
over the years and now consistent with the General Plan.
consists of five wells and
a distribution system.
At the existing level of development, during average
Under existing conditions, a 10-
daily dry weather flows, model simulations predict all
year, 6-hour design storm is
pipes to be flowing at less than 80% capacity with no
estimated to generate a peak
manholes surcharging. Average daily dry weather
hourly wet weather flow of 2.3 mgd
flow is 0.58 mgd at the City of Colusa’s WWTP. To
at the City’s WWTP. This peak
alleviate predicted overflows in the existing system
hourly wet weather flow is
during a 10-year, 6-hour design storm, upsizing the
predicted to cause overflows and
South Westcott, Screens, and Primary pump
manhole surcharging in several
stations is recommended. Any territory in the SOI,
The City of Colusa’s different trunks within the system.
which would be annexed to the City may require
existing wastewater The majority of these overflows and
additional wastewater treatment capacity.These
collection system covers surcharging are caused by
development areas are estimated to double the
an area of approximately bottlenecks downstream at various
wastewater flow to 7.6 mgd and sufficient capacity
Wastewater 900 acres and provides pump stations that have no alarms
does not exist in the existing collection system to
service to almost 5,700 or permanent emergency
accommodate this flow. In addition the WWTP does
residents as well as generators. If pumps fail, the
not have the design capacity to serve buildout of the
commercial and wastewater will back up in the
proposed General Plan. New trunk sewers and
industrial users. manholes and upstream sewer
upsizing of the Primary and South Westcott pump
pipelines until City crews can bring
stations will be necessary to convey all future flow to
the station back online. The
the WWTP. With the new upgrades to the city's
treatment facility does not comply
wastewater infrastructure, the capacities of this
with current water quality discharge
system is not considered a constraint to the
requirements and requires
production of housing in colusa; however, aging
upgrading of its treatment process
collector lines in the old town area are in need of
(A new WWTP went on line since
replacement and could be a constraint to
the General Plan was adopted).
development to new housing in that area of the City.
Although the City is expected to provide adequate services to the proposed expansion
area, there are certain wastewater capacity concerns as indicated in the table. Future
Developments in annexation Phase II areas include build-out of the remainder of the
General Plan and Sphere of Influence Area. These development areas are estimated to
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LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
double the wastewater flow to 7.6 mgd and sufficient capacity does not exist in the
existing collection system to accommodate this flow. New trunk sewers and upsizing of
the Primary and South Westcott pump stations will be necessary to convey all future flow
to the WWTP.17
According to the General Plan,
“The City has one wastewater treatment plant (WWTP with a permitted
capacity of 0.9 million gallons per day (mgd) (note: actual permitted
capacity is 0.7 in accordance with the City’s 2008 WDR’s and NPDES
permit) on the average dry weather flow (ADWF) basis, the current flow is
approximately 0.5 (ADWF) (note: current ADWF is 0.58 mgd according to
the March 2009 Final Wastewater Master Plan). The facility does not
comply with current water quality discharge requirements and requires
upgrading of its treatment process (A new WWTP went on line since the
General Plan was adopted). In addition the WWTP does not have the
design capacity to serve buildout of the proposed General Plan.”18 The
latter statement remains true as of January 2010.
Based on the current estimates of a 2010 ADWF of 0.58 and the permitted capacity of
0.7 mgd and 273 gpd of wastewater per dwelling unit, average dry weather flow (in
numbers of Equivalent Dwelling Units) the permitted capacity of the WWTP could serve
2,564 units (700,000 / 273 = 2,564) Therefore, an additional 441 dwelling units could be
served, which is below the number of units envisioned in the 2009 Housing Element for
the City of Colusa. As noted above, all of remaining capacity could be used to service
potential development within the present City Limits. Additional units could be developed
based on the assumption the City is able to upgrade the WWTP to comply with the
Regional Water Quality Board Waste Discharge Requirements. Assuming a future
expansion to 1.18 mgd ADWF (as discussed on page f-7 of the RWQCB Order R5-2008-
0184 and NPDES CA 007-8999) a total of 4,322 potential equivalent dwelling units
(EDU) could be served of which 2,199 would be new EDU’s (1,180,000 gpd ADWF / 273
gpd per unit = 4,322 potential EDU’s AND 4322 potential EDU’s – 2,123 existing EDU’s
= 2,213 new potential EDU’s).
17 City of Colusa, “Draft Wastewater Collection System Master Plan,” February 2009, Page ES-6.
18 City of Colusa, General Plan October 2007, Page 8-15.
34
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
2.5.2 SOI Determinations on Facility Capacity and Service Adequacy
Determination 3-1: Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public
Services
-The City generally exhibits characteristics of well-managed local government.
-The City’s wastewater system has adequate capacity to serve current
development.
Determination 3-2: Future Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services
-The City of Colusa facilities have the capacity to be expanded to serve
additional population.
-Wastewater system capacity expansion is needed to accommodate future
growth.
-Aging collector lines in the Old Town area are in need of replacement and could
be a constraint to development of new housing in that area of the City.
2.6 Social or Economic Communities of Interest
2.6.1 SOI Determinations on Social or Economic Communities of Interest
Determination 4-1: Communities of Interest
- Relevant social and economic communities of interest within the City of
Colusa’s SOI expansion area and sphere planning area include the landowners,
residents and farming operations that currently occupy the area.
35
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
REFERENCES
City of Colusa, “City of Colusa, California Annual Financial Report for the year ended
June 30, 2007”, Smith & Newell Certified Public Accountants, 1425 Butte House Road,
Yuba City, CA 95993, PH: 530-673-9790, FX: 530-673-1305, Page 3.
City of Colusa, “City of Colusa, California Management Report for the year ended June
30, 2007”, Smith & Newell Certified Public Accountants, 1425 Butte House Road, Yuba
City, CA 95993, PH: 530-673-9790, FX: 530-673-1305, Page 5.
City of Colusa, Draft Master Plan Environmental Impact Report, July 2007.
City of Colusa, Draft Wastewater Collection System Master Plan, ECO:LOGIC, 3875
Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765, Phone: 916.773.8100, Fax:916.773.8848,
www.ecologic-eng.com, February 2009.
City of Colusa, Housing Element 2003, Prepared by Quad Knopf.
City of Colusa, General Plan Housing Element (Administrative Draft), April 2009.
City of Colusa, http://cityofcolusa.com/, July 27, 2009.
City of Colusa, http://cityofcolusa.com/, Public Works, City Solid Waste, July 13, 2009
City of Colusa, http://www.cityofcolusa.com/departments/police/, May 9, 2009.
City of Colusa, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Draft February 2009, Prepared by
Foothill Associates, 590 Menlo Drive, Suite 1, Rocklin, CA 95765, Phone: 916.435.1202,
www.foothill.com.
City of Colusa Water Master Plan February 2009, ECO:LOGIC, 3875 Atherton Road,
Rocklin, CA 95765, Phone: 916.773.8100, Fax:916.773.8848, www.ecologic-eng.com.
Colusa County Department of Agriculture, Harry A. Krug, Agricultural Commissioner,
100 Sunrise Blvd. Suite F, Colusa CA 95932, Phone: 530-458-0580, “2007 Colusa
County Crop Report.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundwater_recharge
http://geology.com/dictionary/glossary-f.shtml
http://www.californiataxdata.com/A_Free_Resources/glossary_PS.asp#ps_08
http://www.csus.edu/indiv/j/jensena/sfp/sa11/yol2/col/colusa.htm
http://www.maden.hacettepe.edu.tr/dmmrt/index.html
http://www.webref.org/geology/p/pleistocene_epoch.htm
Remy, Michael H., Tina A. Thomas, James G. Moose, Whitman F. Manley, Guide to
CEQA, Solano Press Books, Point Arena, CA, February 2007, page 111.
36
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
State of California, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board,
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/board_info/exec_officer_reports/0807eo.pdf
, August 29, 2009.
State of California, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board,
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/board_decisions/tentative_orders/0807/colu
sa_wwtp/colusa_noph.pdf, August 29, 2009
State of California, Department of Finance, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities,
Counties and the State, 2001–2009, with 2000 Benchmark. Sacramento,
California, May 2009
State of California, Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information
Division, Phone 916-202-2162, May 22, 2009.
State of California, “Hydrologic Region Sacramento River” California’s Groundwater
Bulletin 118 Last update 1/20/06
http://www.dpla2.water.ca.gov/publications/groundwater/bulletin118/basins/pdfs_desc/5-
21.52.pdf, July 13, 2009
US Census Bureau, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/06011.html, September
22, 2009.
USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service,
http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/, September 25, 2009.
PREPARERS
Colusa LAFCO, John Benoit, Executive Officer
PO Box 2694, Granite Bay CA 95746
Phone: 916-797-6003 johnbenoit@surewest.net
Christy Leighton, Planning Consultant
555 East Willow Street, Willows CA 95988
Phone: 530-934-4597 christyleighton@sbcglobal.net
37
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
City of Colusa
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
RRiivve
re r
45
mmeennttoo
aa
rr
a
ca c
SS
20 45
20
20
20
45
City Limits
Sphere of Influence 0 1,000 2,000 City Limits and SOI boundaries City of Colusa DPW
Feet Map Produced September 2013
38
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
City of Colusa
GENERAL PLAN
45
L W afa e y b 1 e s 2th S t t tr t e ee e t r S S 11 2 th t t S r F t r r 0 e e e e t r e e e 10 t m t th
M
Stre o et
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Sacramento
River
Harris Street
8th
Street
Colus Avenue
20
3rd
Street
Westcott
Road
20
45
Sphere of Influence
City Limits
LandUse
LDR - Low Density Residential
MDR - Medium Density Residential
HDR - High Density Residential
ER - Estate Residential
MU - Mixed Use
CP - Commercial Professional
OP/LI - Office Professional/Light Industrial
IND - Industrial
P/OS - Parks/Recreation/Open Space
PF - Public Facility
Land Use information from City of Colusa, 2008
UR - Urban Reserve 0 1,000 2,000 City Limits and SOI boundaries LAFCo and Colusa DPW
Feet Map Produced October 2013
39
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
City of Colusa
ZONING
RR--11
CC--GG--FF
PPFF
CC--GG--FF Main Street
PPFF
OOSS PPFF CC--GG
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PP
//P
DD
PFF Sacramento
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RR--11 RR--44 La W fa e y b e 1 s 2 t th RR t t St e e ree - t - r 1 S 1 C C S t 1 - 1 r - t th N e r N S R t e R re e e F t e - t - r 2 t 2 e 10th m Stree O t o O n OO O SS 9t t h S S a / S t / S re P e P k t t F r F S ee tr 7t th e S 8 tr t R h e R e e S t tret P - e - t 22 arkh R i R 6 l t C h l -- S l 44 a t y O r O e 5 S S th e S PP t t / r / FF P e P e FF t 4 O th OSS RR 2 - P - P nd 44 S F t F ree R t J R a -- 1s y 3 t 3 St re S et RR tr -- e 44 et CC CC --GG --33 --FF RR--11
RR--33--PPDD CC--GG RR--44
Harris
Street
Carson
Street CC
CC
--
-
P
-
P
GG
DD
--FF
RR--22
CC--GG--FF
RR--44
RR--11 RR--11
OOSS//PPFF
8th
Street
RR--22--PPDD
RR--11
OOSS PP
RR
DD
--11
RR--11
CC--PPDD
RR--11
RR--44 RR--44
20 Colus A
PP
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nue
RR--11
3rd
Street
RR--11
OO--22 RR--
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22
ynthia
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--
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44
-
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--
-
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OOSS//PPFF rive
MM--11
RR--11--BB--66 Tara
Drive
Road
20
RR--11 Wescott
RR--11
45
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
City Zoning 0 1,000 2,000 Zoning from City of Colusa 2008
Feet City Limits and SOI from LAFCo and City of Colusa DPW
Map Produced October 2013
40
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
City of Colusa
FLOOD ZONE
45
Fr 1 e
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8th
Street
20 Colus Avenue
Wescott
Road
45
20
Levee
Flood Zone A
City Limits
Sphere of Influence 0 0.25 0.5
Miles City Limits and SOI, City of Colusa DPW and Colusa County LAFCo
FEMA data from 2008
Map Produced October 2013
41
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
City of Colusa
SOILS
Fruitvale Avenue
Codorniz Road
4
R
5
oberts
Road
eunevA
revorG
River
Road
Lur daoR yoCcM line Avenue Fourteenth Str T e h e ir t teenth Street Fr 1 e H 2th S m t a W ree 1 t 1 r o th r e S n t i re s b e P t t s S a S t r e t t k r r r 1 e 0 e h t h S S e e t i re l e 9 t l t t t th r S S t e reet t 7 e th r S t e treet e O t a 6th S k 4 tre e S t S 5 i t o r c e 5 e t S h 2 S t tre t e 0 t re 4t e h St t reet 3rd 2 S n t d r e S e J t t re M e a t y a C 1 s i t S n S l tr a ee t t r y S e t S e re t t r e S e t e a t cra C St M ree m t ai D e n Stre et n St t re o e t R C i la v y e S r treet Butte Slough Road
eunevA
nosliW 20 Colus Avenue
8th
Street
Florimond Drive
Parker Street
daoR
neerG
S lliW Wescott
Road
45
Moonbend Road
20
City Limits
S
10
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7
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T
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slo
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pes, occasionally flooded
Niagara
Avenue
1
1
1
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2
2
3
8
4
5
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-
-
-
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136 - Colusa loam, 0-2% slopes
160 - Grandbend loam, 0-2% slopes
170 - Vina loam, 0-2% slopes, frequently flooded
171 - Vina loam, 0-2% slopes 0 0.25 0.5
185 - Riverwash Miles
652 - Water
GIS Data City of Colusa DPW
Soil data from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2007
Map Produced September 2013
42
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
APPENDIX A SOIL INFORMATION
106-Willows silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes19
General location: On the western margins of the Colusa Basin near
Williams and Maxwell
Map unit geomorphic setting: Basin floor
Elevation: 35 to 110 feet (12 to 35 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Willows silty clay—90 percent Minor components: 10 percent
Major Component Description Willows silty clay
Component geomorphic setting: Basin floor
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated cropland
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 1 percent
Runoff: Low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Very slow
Salinity: Saline within 40 inches
Sodicity: Sodic within 40 inches
Available water capacity: About 8.9 inches (High)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: Present
Natural drainage class: Poorly drained
Altered hydrology:
Flood control structures on the Sacramento River have changed flooding frequency and
duration and lowered water tables. Rice drainage ditches have lowered water tables.
Accumulation of salts at the surface has been removed through reclamation or ponding
for rice production. These soils formed under conditions of saturation and frequent
flooding.
Interpretive Groups: Land capability irrigated: 3w-2
Land capability nonirrigated: 4w-2
19 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/106.html
43
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
107—Scribner silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded20
General location: Lowest elevations along the Sacramento River floodplain
Map unit geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Elevation: 45 to 65 feet (15 to 20 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 406 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Scribner silt loam, occasionally flooded—80 percent
Minor components: 20 percent
Major Component Description Scribner silt loam, occasionally flooded
Component geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated cropland
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 1 percent
Runoff: Very low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Moderately slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 10.0 inches (High)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Occasional
Present ponding: None
Current water table: Present
Natural drainage class: Poorly drained
Altered hydrology: Flood control structures on the Sacramento River have changed
flooding frequency and duration and lowered water tables. Rice drainage ditches have
lowered water tables. Under natural conditions, these soils were saturated near the
surface and were frequently flooded.
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 3w-2 Land capability nonirrigated: 4w-2
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops
20 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/107.html
44
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
108—Scribner silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes21
General location: Along the Sacramento River floodplain
Map unit geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Elevation: 25 to 75 feet (9 to 23 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 406 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Scribner silt loam—80 percent
Minor components: 20 percent
Major Component Description Scribner silt loam
Component geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated cropland
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 1 percent
Runoff: Negligible
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Moderately slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 10.0 inches (High)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: Present
Natural drainage class: Poorly drained
Altered hydrology: Flood control structures on the Sacramento River have changed
flooding frequency and duration and lowered water tables. Rice drainage ditches have
lowered water tables. Under natural conditions, these soils were saturated near the
surface and were frequently flooded.
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 3w-2
Land capability nonirrigated: 4w-2
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops
21 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/108.html
45
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
124—Moonbend silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded22
General location: Along the Sacramento River in low elevation areas
geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Elevation: 45 to 55 feet (14 to 17 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Moonbend silt loam, occasionally flooded—80 percent
Minor components: 20 percent
Major Component Description Moonbend silt loam, occasionally flooded
Component geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated cropland
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff: Very low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Moderately slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 10.5 inches (Very
high)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Occasional
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted.
Natural drainage class: Moderately well drained
Altered hydrology: Flood control structures on the Sacramento River have
changed flooding frequency and duration.
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 2w-2
Land capability nonirrigated: 4w-2
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops
22 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/124.html
46
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
125—Moonbend silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes23
General location: Along the Sacramento River
geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Elevation: 45 to 55 feet (14 to 18 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Moonbend silt loam—80 percent
Minor components: 20 percent
Major Component Description Moonbend silt loam
Component geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated cropland
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff: Very low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Moderately slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 10.5 inches (Very
high)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted.
Natural drainage class: Moderately well drained
Altered hydrology: Flood control structures on the Sacramento River
have changed flooding frequency and
duration.
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 1
Land capability nonirrigated: 4s
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops
23 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/125.html
47
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
130—Corbiere silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes24
General location: Along the margins of the Colusa Basin and Butte Sink
geomorphic setting: Rim on basin floor
Elevation: 25 to 45 feet (9 to 14 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Corbiere silt loam—85 percent
Minor components: 15 percent
Major Component Description Corbiere silt loam
Component geomorphic setting: Rim on basin floor
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Blue oak and annual grasses
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 1 percent
Runoff: Very low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 10.1 inches (Very
high)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: Present
Natural drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained
Altered hydrology: Flood control structures on the Sacramento River have changed
flooding frequency and duration and have lowered water tables. Rice drainage ditches
have lowered water tables. It is assumed Corbiere soils were not saturated near the
surface under natural conditions.
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 2w-3 Land capability nonirrigated: 4w-3
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops
24 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/130.html
48
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
136—Colusa loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes25
General location: South of Colusa and north of Grimes
geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Elevation: 35 to 55 feet (11 to 18 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Colusa loam—85 percent
Minor components: 15 percent
Major Component Description Colusa loam
Component geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Annual grasses with scattered oak
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff: Very low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: Natric—-2 to 15 inches
Slowest permeability class: Moderate
Salinity: Saline within 40 inches
Sodicity: Sodic within 40 inches
Available water capacity: About 9.3 inches (High)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: Present
Natural drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained
Altered hydrology: Drainage ditches have lowered water tables. Colusa soils
have high accumulations of salts at the surface that were
deposited by water and by evaporation under natural
conditions.
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 4s-6
Land capability nonirrigated: 4s-6
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops
25 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/136.html
49
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
160—Grandbend loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes26
General location: South of Grimes along the Sacramento River
geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Elevation: 25 to 55 feet (8 to 17 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Grandbend loam—80 percent
Minor components: 20 percent
Major Component Description Grandbend loam
Component geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated cropland
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff: Very low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Moderately slow
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 9.2 inches (High)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: Present
Natural drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained
Altered hydrology: Flood control structures on the Sacramento River
have changed flooding frequency and
duration.
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 2w-2
Land capability nonirrigated: 4w-2
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops
26 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/160.html
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
170—Vina loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded27
General location: Small areas along the Sacramento River inside the
levees and in Moulton Weir
geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Elevation: 45 to 75 feet (14 to 23 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Vina loam, frequently flooded—80 percent
Minor components: 20 percent
Major Component Description Vina loam, frequently flooded
Component geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated cropland
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff: Very low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Moderate
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 9.5 inches (High)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Frequent
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted.
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 4w-2
Land capability non-irrigated: 4w-2
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops
27 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/170.html
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COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
171—Vina loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes28
General location: Along the Sacramento River, Sycamore Slough and
south of Grimes
geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Elevation: 25 to 75 feet (9 to 23 meters)
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 16 inches (355 to 405 millimeters)
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 63 degrees F. (16 to 17 degrees C.)
Frost-free period: 225 to 250 days
Vina loam—85 percent
Minor components: 15 percent
Major Component Description Vina loam
Component geomorphic setting: Flood plain
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical vegetation: Irrigated cropland
Component Properties and Qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Runoff: Very low
Surface features: None noted.
Percent area covered by surface coarse fragments: None noted.
Depth to restrictive feature: None noted
Slowest permeability class: Moderate
Salinity: Not saline
Sodicity: Not sodic
Available water capacity: About 9.5 inches (High)
Component Hydrologic Properties
Present flooding: Rare
Present ponding: None
Current water table: None noted.
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Interpretive Groups
Land capability irrigated: 1
Land capability nonirrigated: 4s
Use and Management
Major uses: Irrigated crops
28 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/171.html
52
COLUSA LAFCO
City of Colusa Sphere of Influence
Adopted February 2, 2012
LAFCO Resolution 2012-0003
652—Water29
A perennial water body that includes natural or human made streams, rivers, lakes,
ponds, and estuaries that in most years are covered with water at least during the period
warm enough for plants to grow. Many areas are covered with water throughout the
year. Pits, blowouts, playas, and reservoirs that contain water are also mapped as
water. The water polygons are delineated according to the aerial imagery used during
compilation of maps. Water bodies that are too small or narrow are not delineated.
29 http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/colusa/652.html
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